Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Cardiovascular Health, Stroke and Heart Attack: Discussion

Mr. Mark O'Donnell:

I thank the Deputy for the question. This is part of a larger project we are implementing over a period of approximately 18 months, thanks to a very generous legacy donation we received in the past 12 months. We are sourcing two mobile units. One is a large articulated truck-sized unit, which is being custom built. It is a bespoke unit the size of an articulated trailer, which can then extend mechanically to double that footprint. When the vehicle pulls up a community event or other public event, it will have space for up to eight screening bays, in which we can provide rapid health checks for free to the public at these events. The interior of the unit is modular so it can also be used for education and awareness events. It can be set up in the style of a theatre for a larger group. It is very flexible infrastructure. On the commissioning time for the unit, we expect it to be operational in the third quarter of next year. We are working on a roll-out plan to get it out into communities across the country because it will be a significant tool in allowing us to meet people where they are. We already do a lot of work in the community as regards screenings and health checks at public events, gatherings, community days, marts, sports events and so on. This will extend our reach in that space.

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